First Timers Guide

Going to the opera is fun! Whether you are attending an opera performance for the first time or simply need a refresher course, you probably have questions about the art form - and possible some apprehension about your upcoming experience. We offer this informative and humorous guide in the hope that it will help you make the exciting leap into the world of opera in comfort and with confidence.

Why should I go to the opera when I can nap at home?
Opera is a great party! It's a visual, aural and emotional spectacle that will electrify all of your senses. We call it the ultimate (and the original) multi-media art form. In today's world, we look for and expect entertainment that dazzles us. With it's spectacular sets and costumes, glorious voices, and stories and characters that touch our hearts, opera provides something for everyone. If you need more reasons...

Opera is romantic...it makes for a great date night!

Opera is more dramatic than Dexter. Where else will you find murder, sex, incest, betrayal and deception - and have it considered acceptable behavior?

Opera is cheaper than tickets to the Colts, the Pacers or the Indy 500.

Will I be the only one at the opera who doesn't have grandkids?Absolutle not! Today, opera is one of the fastest growing performing arts, with more than 20 million people attending annually. And opera audiences are growing younger, too. The most recent National Endowment for the Arts performing arts audience survey estimates that, nationally, nearly a third (31.6%) of the opera audience is under the age of 35.

Aren't all opera singers fat, shrill people in horned helmets?
Fortunately, that stereotype no longer exists, putting to rest the famous phrase, "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings." Most opera companies these days hire singers who are believable in their roles - in size, stature, voice and acting ability. Today's typical opera singer is healthy, fit and agile.

Do I need to speak another language to understand opera?
Opera in this country is frequently performed in the language in which it was originally written - most often Italian, French, or German, but sometimes in Russian, Czech or other languages. But have no fear! Like most American opera companies, Indianapolis Opera performs all of its operas (even those sung in English) with super-titles - English captions projected above the stage. Supertitles are similar to subtitles in foreign movies, but the words are above the (stage) picture instead of below it.

If you would like to know what the opera's about before the curtain rises, you may attend our free pre-opera discussion 45 before the performance. The speaker will give an overview of the plot and describe the music you will hear, and sometimes singers are there to perform live samples of the music. The printed program for the evening provides a synopsis, a short composer biography, and a list of the cast performing in the production.

For those of you who are overachievers and want to know even more ahead of time, visit the WATCH LISTEN LEARN section of the website, as well as the Indianapolis Opera Blog for all kinds of behind the scenes content.

What do I wear to the opera? Do I need a tux or tiara?Contrary to popular belief, there is no dress code for the opera. While you will see some audience members dressed to the nines, people wear anything from jeans to evening wear. You should feel free to dress in whatever way makes you comfortable.

Traffic was terrible! Will they still let me in?As a courtesy to those who were able to arrive on time, latecomers are seated only when they will not disturb the performance or other audience members. If you are late, you may watch the opera on television sets in the lobby until there is an appropriate break or scene change when you can be directed to your seats. If there is not an appropriate break, you will have to wait to be seated until the first intermission.

Who handles the sound system during the performances? Do the singers use microphones?There is no sound system! Unlike performers in rock concerts and musicals, opera singers do not use microphones. They are the athletes of the musical world, and it takes years of studying proper breathing and singing techniques for them to be able to project all the way to the back of a big hall. No wonder they need a day of vocal rest between performances!

When I applaud, can I also use my air horn?Newcomers to opera are often confused about when to applaud. In general, it is customary to applaud at the end of each aria or chorus, and at the end of each scene or act. When in doubt, applaud when everyone else does!

If you want to show a singer that you are really impressed with his or her performance, instead of leading the wave or hooting an hollaring, there are certain words you can yell:

BRAVO! (BRAH-voh!) if it's a male singerBRAVA! (BRAH-vah!) if it's a female singerBRAVI! (BRAH-vee!) covers them all (except when the group consists solely of women, in which case it should be BRAVE! (BRAH-veh!)

Honestly, though, most Americans aren't familiar with these last two variations and either BRAVO! or BRAVA! will get your message across just fine. Standing while you are cheering - the well-known standing ovation - is the ultimate way of expressing your appreciation for a great performance. It's best to wait until the curtain call to do this, though, unless you want a nasty rebuke from the person sitting behind you.

Am I going to have to take out a loan to buy tickets?Not at all. You can purchase tickets in a variety of prices ranges. Sure, there are expensive seats, but there are also plenty for only $25. Besides, look at what you get for your money. Because opera combines all the performing arts, you can enjoy beautiful singing, accompanied by a full orchestra, gorgeous costumes and makeup, drama, fantastic scenery, and dance - all in one performance! On top of all that, we offer discounts for Students, Military Personnel and Seniors.

So, are they just playing euchre backstage?
Most people are unaware of what really goes into producing an opera. Who builds the sets? Who sews the men's tights? How do the singers and chorus know when to enter? In fact, there is a large network of opera professionals, stagehands, and craftsmen, who all work together to put on an opera performance.

It usually takes 12 stagehands anywhere from 10 to 15 hours just to hang the lighting instruments. The costume crew numbers 7 to 10 people who fit and alter costumes for each production, as well as see to it that the singers look great when they out on stage. There are three or more wig and makeup specialists. Depending on the requirements for each opera, the orchestra averages 50 to 65 players, plus the music librarian. The chorus consists of 40 singers chosen from local auditions, plus the chorus master and the rehearsal accompanist. The stage director and his or her assistants are in charge of the action in the performance, and the stage director works closely with the lighting designer to create the look you see on stage. During the performance, the production stage manager calls the cues for lighting and scene changes, and, with his or her assistants, directs the performers onto the stage. There are all sorts of other technical assistants, sound technicians, and the house stage crew, consisting or a carpenter, three electricians and a fly man.

So while you are listening to and watching the principal artists, don't forget the many people back stage who make it all possible.